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BEST PLACES TO SHOOT PHOTOS IN THE GAUJA NATIONAL PARK
WHY GAUJA NATIONAL PARK?Gauja National Park is included in Natura 2000 — the network of protected areas across the European Union. It is a place where a large variety of habitats and species, and a large number of plants, birds, and animals are found within a rela-tively small area (dense populations). Relatively often one can find species here, which are rare and scattered over a large area elsewhere in Europe. The primeval valley of the River Gauja (with its lateral tributaries and primeval valleys of other tributaries — Amata, Brasla), which is shaped by the glacier, is among the most impressive terrain forms in the Baltics, which was an important pre-condition for people to settle down here. The local natural conditions have affected and contributed to the development of very diverse heritage monuments (hillforts, medieval castles, lake fortresses, manors, manor parks, etc.), which have de-veloped a unique landscape over the course of time thanks to the interaction of man and nature. The dense network of trails, accessibility of area, and rivers open for canoeing are yet another reason, why it is easy to travel, learn, and take photos at any period of the year!
WHAT IS BEST SEEN IN GAUJA NATIONAL PARK OVER THE COURSE OF A YEARI Views of ravines and river valleys (leafless period)
II Frozen waterfalls, snow-covered landscapes, frost, winter sports disciplines
III Footprints of animals in snow, early signs of spring in the nature
IV Spring floods, floating ice, water tourists on the River Amata — mid-April, while bird migration, early mushrooms in late April
V Blooming bird-cherry trees, dandelion meadows, birds, animals, spring plants
VI Plant diversity. Heritage monuments, settlements
VII Canoeing on the Rivers Gauja or Brasla. River views. Various habitats, heritage monuments
VIII Mushrooms, bird migration
IX Mushrooms, bird migration
X Golden leaves of autumn on the banks of the primeval valley of the River Gauja, at the end of October — migration of salmon-like fish
XI Sandstone outcrops and related habitats and landscapes
XII Views of ravines and river valleys (leafless period)
Rock outcrops
View in Gauja National Park River Gauja
SERVICE
| Sigulda Municipality Tourism Information Centre Sigulda, Ausekļa Street 6, +371 67971335, [email protected], www.tourism.sigulda.lv
| Līgatne Municipality Tourism Information Centre Līgatne, Spriņģu Street 2, +371 64153169, +371 29189707, [email protected], www.visitligatne.lv
| Amata Municipality Tourism Information Centre Kumadas Street 2, Ieriķi, Amata Municipality, +371 64119024, +371 28681083, [email protected], www.amata.lv
| Cēsis Tourism Information Centre Cēsis, Pils Square 9, +371 64121815, +371 28318318, [email protected], www.tourism.cesis.lv
| Valmiera Tourism Information Centre Valmiera, Rīgas Street 10, +371 64207177, [email protected], http://visit.valmiera.lv/
| Pārgauja Tourism Information Point “Ezeriņi”, Stalbe, Stalbe rural territory, Pārgauja Municipality, +371 26620422, [email protected], www.pargaujasnovads.lv
| Leisure Park “Rāmkalni”, “Vītiņkalni”, Inčukalns rural territory, Inčukalns Municipality, +371 29100280, [email protected], www.ramkalni.lv
| Bīriņi Castle Bīriņi, Vidriži rural territory, Limbaži Municipality, +371 64024033, +371 29416661,[email protected], www.birinupils.lv
| Creative Workshop “Ezeriņi”, stone proceesing, “Ezeriņi”, Stalbe, Stalbe rural territory, Pārgauja Municipality, +371 26371928, [email protected], www.ezerini.lv
| Holiday house “Vējiņi”, “Vējiņi”, Straupe rural territory, Pārgauja Municipality, +371 29354189, [email protected], www.pazemesezeri.lv (also camping “Paegļi”)
| Brewery “Valmiermuižas alus” and Beer Kitchen Dzirnavu Street 2, Valmiermuiža, Valmiera rural territory, Burtnieki Municipality, +371 20264269 (tours in the brewery), [email protected], www.valmiermuiza.lv
| Leisure park & camping “Ozolkalns” “Saulkrasti”, Drabeši rural territory, Amata Municipality, +371 26400200, [email protected], www.ozolkalns.lv
| Hotel “Karlamuiza Country Hotel”, Kārļi, Drabeši rural territory, Amata Municipality, +371 26165298, [email protected], www.karlamuiza.lv (catering to be announced in advance)
| Hotel “Melturi”Melturi, Drabeši rural territory, Amata Municipality, +371 64129467, +371 29267224, [email protected]
| Resort hotel “Jonathan SPA Estate” Amatciems, Amata Municipality, +371 25606066, [email protected], www.jonathanspahotel.com
G | Baltic Wildlife +371 28808440, [email protected], www.balticwildlife.eu
G | AdventureRide Pērle 1, Alderi, +371 29269559, [email protected], www.adventureride.eu
Landscape in Gauja National ParkPhoto: Baltic Pictures
Vicinity of Velnala Cave in Krimulda 24.81129, 57.15042Primeval valley of the River Gauja with a scenic sandstone outcrop from the other side of the river, and a view from the top of the cliffs. Sunshine over the cliff at sunset.
Sigulda Local Skiing Track 24.83864, 57.15958Since the slope of primeval valley of the River Gauja has been deforested, photos can be taken both on foot, and from the cable car. Best views are granted before noon.
Sigulda Cable Car 24.84558. 57.16448 Views over the primeval valley of the River Gauja from the only cable car in Latvia.
Castle of Livonian Order in Sigulda 24.84896, 57.16681 An excellent view over the primeval valley of the River Gauja and Turaida Castle.
Mound Paradīzes (Gleznotājkalns) 24.86578, 57.17513 View over the primeval valley of the River Gauja northward during the whole day and towards Turaida Castle. Sunshine playing beautifully over the landscape at sunset.
Turaida Museum Reserve Dainu Hill offers beautiful sights towards Turaida Castle, Turaida Lutheran Church, manor houses. One of the most impressive views over the primeval valley of the River Gauja is offered from the tower of Turaida Castle.
Primeval valley of the River Brasla Large number of sandstone outcrops in the river section from Brasla water reservoir till its mouth with the River Gauja. Beautiful views, especially from the river.
Līgatne Nature Trails 25.01525, 57.24798 With a telephoto, pictures of several animals living in Latvia can be taken.
Līgatne Village 25.03968, 57.23348 Industrial heritage hand in hand with man-made circumstances —the valley of the rapid River Līgatne and sandstone outcrops.
Historic build-up on Skolaskalns and Rīgaskalns in Līgatne 25.04043, 57.23129 Cultural environment of the workers in 19th century. The only one of such type in Latvia.
Ānfabrika Cliffs 25.04628, 57.23087 A beautiful view from the cliff and its viewing platform over the historic village of Līgatne Paper Mill. Fish ladder on the River Līgatne, where the migration of salmon can be photo-shoot in autumns.
Ķūķu Cliffs 25.10600, 57.27465 A viewpoint with a magnificent landscape of one of the largest sandstone outcrops in Latvia and Ķūķu Rapids. Particularly eye-catching in autumn or winter, when frozen waterfalls are formed here. Beautiful sights at sunrise.
OBJECTS
Waterfalls of River Meldrupīte 25.16930, 57.20811 Facilitated place with three waterfalls. Fish jumping over the waterfalls during the migration of salmon-like fish. Illuminated park in the dark evenings.
Valley of the River Amata One of the most beautiful valleys of small rivers in Latvia with a large number of sandstone and dolomite rock outcrops. Most precious landscapes towards/from Ainavu Cliff, Ķaubju Rock and Zvārte Rock, as well as in the section from Zvārte Rock to Veclauču Bridge.
River Gauja between Cēsis and LīgatneMost beautiful section of the river in terms of the number of sandstone outcrops and landscape sights. Interesting views from the river. Various species of water birds, including the kingfisher.
Vicinity of Āraiši One of the few places, where very different heritage objects are located — Āraiši Lake Fortress, ruins of the Livonian Order Castle, Drabeši Manor, Āraiši Windmill, and Zviedru Pine — within a relatively small area.
Views in the vicinity of “Ozolkalns” (25.22259, 57.29462) and “Žagarkalns” Excellent views over the primeval valley of the River Gauja from the skiing tracks (the trees and their leaves do not cover the view over the primeval valley).
Cīrulīšu Nature Trails 25.22035, 57.3013 On the slope of the valley wall of the River Gauja — an oxbow lake with bluish, perfectly clear water, which is like a mirror to the Cīrulīšu Cliffs (also Spoguļklintis or the Mirror Cliffs).
Lake Ungura 25.08447, 57.34023 Largest lake of Gauja National Park with landscapes of nearby vicinity.
Ungurmuiža Manor 25.08593. 57.36296 A particularly scenic place. Park with old oaks with interesting species of polypores. Suitable place to
take photos of the culture landscape, and species of mushrooms and insects.
The Old Town of Cēsis Among the few places in Latvia, demonstrating medieval build-up elements and medieval street planning within a relatively small area. Excellent place to study architecture and its elements.
Ērgļu (Ērģeļu) Cliffs 25.26032, 57.36058Most monolith sandstone outcrop in the Baltic States. Beautiful view over the primeval valley of the river.
Veselava ManorExcellent manor premises from the 19th century with a restored master’s house and a park.
Līču–Laņģu Cliffs 25.39306, 57.39311A place where close to a settlement there is the wild nature demonstrating active geological processes — erosion, suffusion. Large outcrop with specific geological forms.
ValmieraThe tower of St Simon’s Church of Valmiera and the top of Mound Valterkalniņš offers beautiful views over the old town. Magnificent landscapes are seen near Kazu Rapids, the bridge over Gauja, and Livonian Order Castle ruins. The steep banks of the River Gauja have been inspirational to many artists. Here one can watch the most beautiful sunsets and sunrises.
Liepas Ellīte 25.42749, 57.38426Extraordinary geological formation for Latvia — atypical arches, caves, and rare suffusion and erosion forms.
Sietiņiezis Cliff 25.38641, 57.42784Nearby — nice pine forests, view towards the primeval valley of the River Gauja. The outcrop is not homogenous — there are interesting geological forms, site of the single bee colonies.
Lake Vaidavas 25.27024, 57.44774Steep banks covered with wood and such objects like Vaidava Hillfort, spring, etc.
TAV O !
